How to pronounce circumambulate
Say it like sur-kuh-MAM-byoo-layt. Circumambulate has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MAM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce circumambulate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- sur
- kuh
- MAM
- byoo
- layt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Circumambulate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- surGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- MAMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- byooKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- laytKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of circumambulate
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: suh-kuh-MAM-byoo-layt.
What does circumambulate mean?
- To walk around something in a circle, especially for a ritual purpose.
Where does circumambulate come from?
Latin circumambulātus, past participle of circumambulāre (“to walk around”).
Questions about saying circumambulate
How do you pronounce circumambulate?
Say sur-kuh-MAM-byoo-layt. The American pronunciation is /ˌsɝkəˈmæmbjuleɪt/. In British English it is /səkəˈmæmbjuːleɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in circumambulate?
Circumambulate has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MAM). Broken into parts: sur · kuh · MAM · byoo · layt.
Is circumambulate pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /səkəˈmæmbjuːleɪt/ (suh-kuh-MAM-byoo-layt).